My mother was a wonderful baker. Surprisingly, most of her baking she did without the aid of a cookbook. I hope my sharing brings back memories for you...for me, it's in my mother's kitchen, with her standing behind me, and letting me create.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

French Apple Pie Bundt Cake & March's Give-Away Apron

My mom made the best apple pie; one of my dad's favorites. One time, she decided to change it up a bit and make, what she called, a French Apple Pie and we all thought, "what's the special occasion:-)?" The one difference in French Apple Pie is that it has an icing glaze on top of the crust, which I was inspired to do, but in some recipes, a thick custard is pour through the slits when it comes out of the oven, something I didn't include when turning this pie into a cake.

In addition to the bundt cake I made today, I sewed the apron for March. The fabric is from a quilt store I frequented when taking care of Kelly during her treatments--Q First in Quilting in Lexington, Kentucky. In fact, I purchased the fabric when I was there with her in mid March before she passed away in May. We had both bought fabrics; her selection was to make a quilt for her son, Ari from a blog she was following. I helped her cut out the pieces, but she was hospitalized in mid April and was never able to complete the quilt (I'm working on finishing that for him). I have to say, it was hard sewing today and thinking back to that time when we both had such hope. I will say, though, we had a good chuckle over the main fabric and the significance of the quote and I hope the recipient will too.

"Don't mess with my apron strings..." made us both think of my mother! Besides an apron being part of the uniform of the day for Mom, it also described her personality:-D She had a heart of gold, but at barely 5-feet tall, she was someone you wouldn't want to tick off!

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars thoroughly--about 8 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the boiled cider* and vanilla.

(*as a substitute for Boiled Apple Cider, you can make your own by reducing 2 cups of apple cider to 1/2 cup)Add the spices.

Mix well. Add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix on low to combine. Stir in the grated apple and fold into the batter. Spoon into prepared bundt pan.

Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until a wooden skewer poked in the middle comes out cleanly. Immediately brush the top of the cake with the Calvados, brandy or warmed apple cider. Let the cake set for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and allow to cool completely before serving.

I can tell you that while the cake was baking my husband came into the kitchen and asked--"are you baking a apple pie!" If that's not a testimonial, then, I don't know what is. Enjoy!

35 comments:

An apple pie cake--sounds wonderful Susan. I know making that quilt for your grandson will be bittersweet my friend. I finished making three quilts for my sister's children after she left this world. We were making quilts for them when my sister became too ill at the end to finish them. I hate cancer! Hugs to you my friend. xoxo ♥

Hi Petty, Kelly made me promise not to let this define me, but there are days when that's all it does! As much as I would have held on to this fabric for a memory of shopping with her, the more I thought, I bought it to give away and I needed to do that. Thank you for listening, XOXO

Hello Vee, while looking for something else in my studio, I came across this stash of fabrics I bought with Kelly in March 2009. I found it so weird that I found it the month that we bought it...just 3 years later. I took it as a sign that it was time to make the apron it had been intended for; I'm thinking it was a "nudge" from Kelly! I know it will choose a very special person to go to, XOXO

This cake looks so good as do all your recipes my friend! This apron, besides being adorable, is very special and I know it will choose a good person to go live with! Sharing love and friendship is something you do so well and your Kelly knew this! A nudge from her for sure on this one! Sending you a big hug! Linda

PS I love my apron so much and will cook something very special wearing it when I get back home! XOXO

Um, YUM! And, the Calvados...Something on my list of boozy ingredients to try. Have to budget for that one. :) I do rock the Bundt cake, my dear friend. I love that quote on the fabric, especially. And, your memory with Kelly. Lv you! me

Okay, I can't believe you don't have Calvados:-D We're going to have to set up a booze fund for you to create from, lol! The quote grabbed me too--my mother, bless her heart, with her Irish and German genes didn't let her size dictate that she could be pushed around!! XOXO

Hello sweet friend. Your family stories warm my heart, just as your recipes tickle my taste buds. This cake looks and sounds delicious, and the story of your mother tugs at my heart strings. The apron and its fabric are adorable; while your story of precious time spent with Kelly appeals to my very soul. I am envious of the lucky person who wins this unique apron. If they know you and your very special relationship with Kelly, they will be honored. You are my hero. Warm hugs and much love from the Deep South.

PS: I HATE CANCER TOO! It has snatched too many of my loved ones in the prime of their lives.

I hate cancer it took my mother when I was very young..Pox on it!!!! I would love to win that apron as I am always getting my clothes dirty or with some of the recipe fixins on me...Your stories warm my heart and soul..God's blessings to you!!!!!!!!!! I love your recipes, from mjs at momanddad00@clear.net

Susan, I met you at CHA in Anaheim in January and took your class. I just did a blog entry about you at http://scootingrannysworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/flowers-with-susan-tierney-cockburn.html . I found the link to this blog at the Sizzix site and will be signing up to be a follower as soon as I finish this posting.

Also, this post has reminded me of an outing with my mother and sisters a few years ago that I'll be adding to my blog soon. Thank you so much for a wonderful smile this morning!

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